Marathon Training 4 weeks out
Well, my last big training week is now in the books and what
a week it was. Three stressor workouts played heavily in my training plan.
Tuesday, I was out running 5 x 1 mile. Just as I hoped each
mile went a little better. I could feel the sluggishness in my legs but still
felt like pushing.
Thursday evening, I headed out the Whitewater Center for
their River Jam 6 mile trail race. First up, I ran 8 miles on the trails and
the returned just in time to get my bib and get to the starting line. My goal
was to run around 40 minutes. I ran 40:21 so mission accomplished. Finishing 5
overall wasn’t bad either. I have never fancied myself a great trail runner. In
fact, I don’t really think of myself as a trail runner at all. But there are
days when getting away from the asphalt and concrete as most welcome.
Now, I am on to Sunday morning and my long run.
Months had passed since Megan and I had last run together.
We were joined by a relatively newbie to Charlotte – Emily. Having a new runner
in the mix is a good thing. They always have so many good stories to tell and
nothing passes the time on a long run like a good story.
Back to my long run, I started off with an 8 mile run before
sun started to rise. Then, I met Megan and Emily. We did probably another 16
together before Emily headed back. Megan and I finished out her 20 and my 28.
Every time that I put this 28 miler on my schedule I have to
remind myself why I do it.
Running a marathon is not easy under any conditions. Running
28 miles with the temperature climbing from the 70s into the 80s makes it even more
difficult.
But, once I complete it, I know that I am ready to run a
marathon. The question is no longer the distance but how fast.
In three weeks, I will know the answer.
Sharing one thought at time,
The Cool Down Runner
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